Paint mixer



Nov. 13, 1934. 'c, TlBBETTs I 1,980,643

PAINT MIXER Filed July 6, 1933 4 @IYZZSJLZZZZQZZZS' Patented Nov. 13, 1934 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE 1 Claim.

This invention relates to an implement for use in mixing paints such as supplied ready for use by painters.

Mixed paints, when received in barrels, cans or other containers, usually require mixing due to the fact that the pigment settles upon the bottom of the container and must be thoroughly agitated in order to place the paint in condition for use. Various devices for this purpose have been devised. Some of these have been operated by hand while others have been operated by electric or other power.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a paint mixer which, in actual practice, has been proven more efficient than other types of mixers due to the thoroughness with which the mixing operation is carried on, the shortness of time required to effect complete mixing, and the ease with which the device can be manipulated.

A further object is to provide a mixer which will not only agitate the paint but will also break up the pigment by cutting thereinto and scraping it during the agitating operation.

With the foregoing and other objects in view which will appear as the description proceeds, the invention consists of certain novel details of construction and combinations of parts hereinafter more fully described and pointed out in the claims, it being understood that changes may be made in the construction and arrangement of parts without departing from the spirit of the invention as claimed.

In the accompanying drawing the preferred form of the invention has been shown.

In said drawing:

Figure 1 is a front elevation of the complete device.

Figure 2 is an enlarged bottom plan view thereof.

Figure 3 is a side elevation of the agitating foot.

Referring to the figures by characters of reference 1 designates a rigid flat plate .angular in outline. Opposed sides of the plate are bent downwardly at right angles to provide parallel flanges 2. Each of these flanges has squared corners 3 and the free edges of each flange constitute scraping or cutting edges as explained hereinafter.

A series of apertures 4 is provided in each flange and additional apertures 5 are formed within the plate 1 between the flanges. The number of these apertures and the sizes thereof can be varied to meet the requirements and it is to be understood likewise that the plate 1 and its flanges can be of any desired size.

Arranged at the center of the plate 1 and fixed relative to the plate is a socket member 6 in which is seated the lower end of a shank 7. The

upper end of this shank is provided with a handle or grip 8 extended at right angles therefrom.

In using this device the same is manipulated after the manner of a churn dasher and is at the same time given a turning or rotative action about the axis of shank '7. The foot formed by plate 1 and flanges 2 will be pressed downwardly through the liquid portion of the paint mixture until the flanges 2 come into contact with the precipitated pigment. At the same time the tool is given a rotative motion. As a result of the foregoing movements the fluid portion of the mixture will squirt upwardly and laterally through the apertures 5 and 4 respectively, thereby tending quickly to break up any lumps of pigment which may be suspended in the fluid. The advancing edges of the flanges 2 will tend to scrape any portion of the container wall with which they may come into contact while. the bottom edges of these flanges will act to scrape the top surface of the precipitated pigment. The advancing corners 3 of the flanges act to bite into and break apart the body of the pigment. Particles thus released or loosened will flow through the apertures as before explained while other portions will flow upwardly past the edges of the foot. During the upward movement of the device the foot will move readily through the fluid so as to prevent suction and consequent retardation of movement with resultant fatigue to the operator.

The openings serve not only to reduce the power required to raise and lower the tool in the fluid but also acts to divide the fluid into jets or streams so as to expedite reduction of the entire mixture to a smooth fluid condition.

In practice it has been found that a hand operated tool of the type disclosed will thoroughly mix a given quantity of paint in less time than has been possible with other types of mixers whether hand or power operated.

By extending thegrip 8 laterally or at right angles relative to shank 7 it is possible to not only reciprocate or raise and lower the device but also to rotate it readily during such movement.

It is preferred to screw the shank into the socket member 6 so that it can be detached if desired for convenience in shipping and storing and also to permit attachment of the handle to feet of different sizes.

What is claimed is:

A tool for mixing paints and the like comprising a rigid apertured foot, parallel apertured side flanges depending from two edges of the foot and having cutting corners and scraping edges, and a handle extending from the foot, the space between the flanges being open between the ends of the flanges.

CYRUS R. TIBBETTS. 

